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A perspective on healthcare delivery systems with the emphasis on South African healthcare and the need for reform

Kooverjee, Mukesh Manilal (2002-12)

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The need for efficient and equitable health provision remains a challenge for all
countries and economies of the world. Defining health, healthcare and health
provision are contentious issues, and public debate rages on as governments
throughout the world attempt to quell public demands and expectations.
Healthcare scenarios differ vastly from country to country, each attempting to
accommodate its own needs, given the limitations placed on the systems in
terms of human and financial resources. These differences are large as will be
seen when countries with developed market economies are compared to those in
the less fortunate Third World. The financing of healthcare systems is a complex
and challenging task. Affordability of healthcare is an issue for all nations of the
world. Most countries enjoy a mix of private and public funding to ensure that
some degree of good health is attained by the nation as a whole.
South Africa has a unique health system in that it has two distinct and separate
health systems. This is not by chance. South Africa is a country that boasts
enormous diversity but huge inequalities in terms of race, culture, class and
income. Systems had therefore developed along very defined lines where the
privileged have had access to expensive, modern and private healthcare while
the poor and indigent have had to use a poorly structured public service. The purpose of this literature review is to research and to define those issues
and concepts which require clearer perspective. It will also look at healthcare.